The 5 Makeup Products I Would Use If I Was a Makeup Beginner

Want to start makeup without feeling overwhelmed? Here are the only 5 makeup products you actually need as a beginner—plus how to use them like a pro!

Let’s Be Honest: Makeup Can Feel Really Overwhelming at First

When you’re just starting out with makeup, it can feel like you’ve stepped into a world where everyone’s speaking a language you don’t understand. Foundation? Concealer? Primer? Setting spray? Wait—what’s the difference between bronzer and contour?

If you’ve ever stood in the beauty aisle frozen in fear (or spent two hours watching tutorials that left you more confused than ever), you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And honestly? You don’t need twenty products to start. You just need five—yes, just five Makeup

In this blog post, I’m sharing the only five makeup products I would use if I was a total beginner—along with tips, how-tos, and a few pro secrets to help you glow without the guesswork  of which Makeup works.

1. A Lightweight, Skin-Tint Foundation (or BB Cream)

Let’s be real. Full coverage foundation looks amazing on camera—but for everyday wear? It’s a lot.

If you’re just dipping your toe into makeup, skip the heavy stuff. Instead, reach for a lightweight skin tint, BB cream, or a light-to-medium coverage foundation. It gives you that even tone, a bit of glow, and doesn’t feel like a mask.

Why it’s a must-have:

• It evens out your skin tone while still looking natural

• It’s easy to blend (even with fingers!)

• Most formulas have SPF, which is always a win

Great Beginner-Friendly Picks:

• Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturizer

• Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

• Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream (if you want SPF + coverage)

Pro Tip: Start with just one pump. Use your fingertips or a damp beauty sponge to blend from the center of your face outward. You want your skin to still look like skin—just smoother.

2. Concealer That Doubles as a Spot Corrector

If I could only own one product for hiding tired eyes, blemishes, and redness? Concealer wins every time. Think of it like your magic wand. Dab it under your eyes, around your nose, or on any spot that’s giving you grief, and boom—your face is brighter, fresher, and more put-together.

What to look for:

• Creamy texture (not too thick, not too watery)

• A shade one tone lighter than your skin for under the eyes

• A shade that matches your skin tone for blemishes or redness

Beginner-Approved Faves:

• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser

• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

• e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

Pro Tip: Use your ring finger to tap (not rub!) concealer under your eyes. This finger is the gentlest and prevents tugging on the delicate skin there.

3. A Brow Pencil or Gel—Because Brows Frame Everything

You can have a full face beat, but if your brows are all over the place, it throws everything off.

Brows don’t have to be complicated, though. For beginners, I recommend starting with either:

• A retractable brow pencil with a spoolie

• A tinted brow gel that gives color and hold

Why it’s beginner gold:

• Instantly lifts and defines your face

• Makes you look more “done” even with minimal makeup

• Super fast—you can do it in 30 seconds

Great Options:

• NYX Micro Brow Pencil

• Benefit Gimme Brow+ Gel

• L.A. Girl Shady Slim Brow Pencil

Pro Tip: Start at the middle of your brow, work to the tail, then lightly fill the front. Always brush through with a spoolie to blend and soften.

4. Mascara That Lifts and Defines

If you want to look more awake and polished in 15 seconds flat, mascara is your girl.

I can’t stress this enough—mascara changes your face. Even if you wear no other makeup, one coat on your lashes instantly opens your eyes and gives you that “I woke up like this” vibe.

Look for:

• Lengthening or defining mascara (avoid clumpy volumizers at first)

• A formula that doesn’t smudge (especially if you have oily lids)

Beginner Loves:

• L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara

• Essence Lash Princess Mascara

• Maybelline Lash Sensational

Pro Tip: Wiggle the wand from the root of your lashes up to the tip. One to two coats is enough—don’t overdo it unless you want spider legs.

5. A Tinted Lip Balm or Hydrating Lip Gloss

Here’s a secret: your lips don’t need full matte lipstick to look amazing. For beginners, a hydrating tinted lip balm or gloss gives color, moisture, and zero stress.

You can throw it on without a mirror, it won’t bleed, and you can layer it easily.

What makes it beginner-perfect:

• No lip liner or special tools needed

• Gives a healthy, plump look

• Looks good with or without the rest of your face done

Easy-to-Love Picks:

• Glossier Balm Dotcom (Tinted)

• Fenty Gloss Bomb

• Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Pro Tip: Try shades like rose, mauve, or berry—they flatter most skin tones and make your lips look naturally flushed.

How to Build a 5-Minute Makeup Routine Using Just These 5 Products

Let’s face it—most of us don’t have an hour to beat our faces every morning. Especially as a beginner, you don’t need a 15-step routine. You need a plan that’s quick, effective, and actually makes you feel good.

So here’s how to use just the five products we covered to build a natural, glow, 5-minute face:

🕐 Minute 1: Skin Tint

Apply a few dots of your BB cream or skin tint to the center of your face—forehead, cheeks, and chin.
Use your fingers or a damp sponge to blend it out toward your jawline and hairline.
You’re not trying to cover everything—just even out your tone.

🕑 Minute 2: Concealer

Dot concealer under your eyes, around your nose, and on any spots.
Tap it in with your ring finger or a sponge.
Let it sit for a few seconds before blending—it gives more coverage.

🕒 Minute 3: Brows

Use a brow pencil to lightly define your shape, then brush through with a spoolie.
Or swipe on a tinted brow gel if you’re in a rush—it tints and tames in one go.

🕓 Minute 4: Mascara

Curl your lashes (optional but helpful).
Apply one coat of mascara, wiggling the wand from root to tip.
Do a second coat if you want more drama.

🕔 Minute 5: Lip Balm or Gloss

Swipe on your tinted balm or gloss.
Boom. You’re done. You’re glowing. And you didn’t even need a tutorial.

Choosing the Right Shades for Your Skin Tone

Shade matching sounds intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to keep Makeup simple:

🎨 For Foundation/Tint:

• Fair skin? Go for neutral-beige tones—not pink or orange.

• Medium skin? Try golden or olive undertones.

• Deep skin? Look for warm undertones with rich caramel or espresso bases.

If you’re stuck between two shades, go with the slightly darker one. It’ll look more natural than being too light and ashy.

💡 For Concealer:

• For under-eyes: Pick a shade that’s one tone lighter than your foundation.

• For blemishes: Match your skin exactly or go just a hint deeper.

💋 For Lip Balm:

Can’t decide on a tint? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Light skin: go with soft pinks and rose

• Medium/tan skin: mauves and berries look gorgeous

• Deep skin: plums, cherries, and deep nudes flatter beautifully

Common Makeup Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them)

Nobody’s perfect, and everyone messes up at the beginning. But if you know what to watch for, you’ll learn faster and look better doing it.

❌ Mistake 1: Using Too Much Product

A little goes a long way—especially with concealer and foundation.
Fix: Start with a tiny amount and build up only where you need more.

❌ Mistake 2: Skipping Moisturizer or SPF

Even the best foundation will look patchy if your skin is dry.
Fix: Always prep with a lightweight moisturizer (with SPF if possible).

❌ Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Shade

Using a product too light or too dark can throw off your whole look.
Fix: Test on your jawline in natural light. Ask for samples or testers when shopping.

❌ Mistake 4: Not Blending Enough

Harsh lines around your chin or unblended concealer? Yikes.
Fix: Use a sponge or brush to blend product all the way down your jaw and into your hairline.

❌ Mistake 5: Copying TikTok Trends Without Context

What works for an influencer under 12 ring lights may not work for you in real life.
Fix: Stick to the basics first. Once you’re confident, experiment all you want.

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Brushes vs. Sponges vs. Fingers: What’s Best for Beginners?

You don’t need a full brush set to start—just a few key tools.

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👆 Your Fingers: The OG Tool

Great for:

• Tinted moisturizers

• Cream blush or balm

• Tapping in concealer

Pros: Free, always available, warm fingers help melt product into your skin.

Cons: Can be messy and less precise.

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🧽 Sponges: For a Seamless, Airbrushed Finish

Great for:

• Blending foundation and concealer

• Soaking up excess product

Tip: Always use your sponge damp—it should feel squishy, not wet.

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🖌️ Brushes: For Precision and Control

Great for:

• Filling brows

• Setting powder (once you upgrade)

• Detailed blending

If you’re buying just one brush to start? Get a dense, flat-top foundation brush or a dual-ended brow brush with spoolie.

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Affordable Drugstore Dupes That Actually Work

Want the look without the luxury price tag? Here are budget picks that perform just as well as high-end brands: